Abia State Government Takes Decisive Action to Address Insecurity
In a significant move to combat escalating insecurity in Abia State, the Abia State Government has unveiled a multifaceted plan to restore peace and security in the Lokpanta-Umunneochi-Uturu axis.
This development comes as a response to the rising threat of criminal activities in the region.
Addressing the media at a press briefing in Umuahia, Navy Commander MacDonald Uba, the Security Adviser to the state governor, announced that the ABSG has transformed the cattle market at Lokpanta, located in Umunneochi Local Government Area into a daily non-residential market. This strategic maneuver is aimed at curbing insecurity issues that have plagued the Lokpanta-Umunneochi-Uturu corridor.
Furthermore, Commander Uba revealed that the state government took assertive action by demolishing a total of 160 brothel rooms within the market area. These brothels were believed to be serving as hide outs for kidnappers and other criminals, contributing to the deteriorating security situation.
Commander Uba categorically denied allegations that the state government had instructed traders, including many who are not from the southeast, to leave the state. He stated, “There is no truth in asking the community in Lokpanta to leave.”
He went on to explain that the region had faced persistent insecurity for over a year before the current administration took office. To combat this, Governor Alex Otti had previously launched ‘Operation Crush’ to combat kidnapping in the state. Commander Uba asserted that “All Intel points to the cattle market at Lokpanta” as a focal point for criminal activities.
The traders in the Lokpanta market were accused of facilitating kidnappings by extending their operations into the median lane of the Okigwe-Enugu expressway. They used tactics to monitor commercial buses, leading to criminal incidents. The state government intervened by dismantling this illicit extension.
Just three weeks ago, a deliberate operation took place in the area, leading to the demolition of over 160 brothel rooms, numerous arrests, and the recovery of millions of naira.
As a preventive measure, the state government now plans to reclassify the market as a daily market, similar to markets in other parts of the country. It will no longer be residential, and Governor Alex Otti has directed that all residents must vacate the area within seven days.
Commander Uba emphasized that the state government is aware that most of the cattle dealers are second and third-generation Igbos and Hausas born in the state. He questioned the logic of asking them to leave based on their state of origin, aligning with Governor Otti’s belief that state of origin should not be a determining factor.
The government’s position is rooted in the desire to create a safe environment and make Abia the premier state for investment and development. The recent measures have already yielded positive results, with the Lokpanta-Umunneochi-Uturu axis experiencing a notable reduction in kidnapping incidents.
Under the new plan, the market is set to operate from 6 am to 5 pm daily, further reinforcing the government’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its citizens.